Signal apparatus



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

J. R. PHBENEY.

SIGNAL ARPARATUS.

Patented Jan. 26, 1886.

FiGJ- (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. R. PHPPNPY. SIGNAL APPARATUS.

y No. 884,980. Patented .1811.28 1888.

'HIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE iIHIHHIIIIIIIIII fllllmlJ lllllihl n lllmllu Humm Iwhich the following is a specification, referplate being removed.

the smaller ends--of the conical reflectors C,

NITED Starts Partnr trice.

JOHbT R. PHEENEY, OF OWATONNA, MINNESOTA.

SIGNAL APPARATUS.

SEPIECIFICATIQN forming part of Letters Patent No. 334,980, dated January 26, 1886.

Application filed June 30, i885.

To LZZ whom t may concern:

Beit known that I, JOHN R. PHEENEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Owatonna, in the county of Steele and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signal Apparatus, of

ence being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

Figure l is a perspective view. with some portions of the case removed to show the interior construction and parts of this device. Fig. 2 is a sectional view on line a' a, Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view on line y y, Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front elevation, the front Fig. 5 is a detail showing the glass, te., on the right-hand side of this device.

This device belongs to that class of inventions known as signals or signal-lamps, and the novelty in the present instance consists in the construction and combination of all the parts, whereby a very perfect and effective means for signaling is produced, all as will now be more fully7 set out and explained.

In the accompanying drawings, A denotes the case or box, which may be set on its bot-V l[om or confined to a post by means of its rear recess, a, and straps, or in any suitable or desirable way located and fixed in any place or position for the use required. Inside this case, and ou the lower part, is placed the lamp B, of suitable shape and size, so that its flame comes between and nearly in thefoci-that is,

one on each side. These reflectors are held in place in any convenient way. They are now shown as sustained at the front or larger ends by standards c, one on each side of each reiiector, while at their inner and smaller ends they are connected together at a point on each side.

The smoke, heat, 8mo., from the lamp escape through the top of the case A by the pipe a', directly over it. This pipe preferably has a hood to close it against rain, wind, and dust as much as can well be done.

In the right side wall of the ease A is a glass, D, placed immediately in front of one of the large or outer ends of the reflector C, and in like manner in the opposite or left-hand side ofthe case is the glass D. Preferably each Serial No. 170.315. (No model.)

of these glasses is set in a slide, c2, moving in guideways ai on the outside ofthe case; but the mere detail of this arrangement is of no great moment so long as the glasses are so placed that they can be easily washed or removed, or, when broken, replaced.

On each side, and between the ends of the reflector and the glass are the signals E and F. These are made of round frames e andf, the one set, by its arms e', connected to the horizontal shafts G, which pass from side to side of the parts A A'l of the case, each of which forms one side of recess a, and the other in like manner,by its armsf,to the shafts H, which also pass from side to side of the parts A A2. Each of the frames e andf has a colored cloth or glass over or init, that color in e being different from thatinf, but those in both frames e being alike; also those in both frames fj'lre alike. There may be as many of these frames on each side as are desired, the corresponding` ones on each side having same colors; but for all ordinary uses I have found that two different colors on each side, as now shown, will answer.

To operate the shafts G and H so as to cause eitherI color or signal to be displayed by this device, there is an arm, g, on the end of the shalt G and outside the case. By this the signal E can be lifted from or let down before the large end of the reiiector, and thus the colored glass or cloth on said signal will be displayed. rIhe spur-wheel g on said shaft G meshes with spur-wheel h on shaft H, and these are so arranged that when signal E is raised t-he gears operate to turn shaft H and throw down the signal F beforethe lamp and reeetor, and vice versa. It is preferable that the frame c should be weighted, as now shown at e2. This construction will allow the signal E to act automatically in its downward movement when the chain I is released. The construction of these operative parts is the same on each side. To the outer ends of arms g may be attached 'cords or chains I, which pass over pulley K and lead to any desired position where the watchman can by means of them easily operate the signals on both or either side. The outer ends, h', of shaft H may be adapted for a key, or may by a handle be operated independently.

In this device is provided a simple, cheap,

IOC

easily-operated, and excellent signaling apparatus. For instance, the signal being placed ata railroad depot or station convenient to the track, one side facingup and the other down the track, the watchman can readily signal the trains incoming or approaching from either side, and can show to each of them either the danger or safety signal, as may be necessary. This is readily done, as the signals on each side are independent of each other.

Access to the interior of the case can he-had by removing the front slide, at, but this can be as Well accomplished by having one side of the ease hinged, and by other merely mechanical changes in the structure of the parts of the case and their adjustment together. Instead ofa lamp, gas may be used.

I am aware that heretofore signal devices have been used for the same purpose, and do not broadly claim that I have invented more than a very simple and very effective means for gaining these general ends.

It will loe noted that I use but a single lamp or flame.

Having now described my invention, what I consider new is r l. The case A, recessed ataand having signals E and F. connected, as described, with shafts G and H, and reliectors C and lamp B, all combined as described.

2. In asignal apparatus, the Weighted frame e, having a suitable color, its arm e and shaft G, having spur-Wheel g, combined with the signal-frame f, arm f', and shaft H, having spur-Wheel h, all combined and operating as described.

3. In the ease having smoke-exit pipe, the combination of the lamp and reflectors with the signals and shafts and their connecting spur-wheels, and the chains and pulleys by which the movable parts are operated, all as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN R. PHEENEY. lVitnesses:

C. L. JONES, H. K. DIMMICK. 

